The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new notice effective immediately, clarifying its regulations on reentry vehicles. The agency now requires companies to obtain a license before launching any vehicle designed to return to Earth.
This move comes in response to the recent incident involving Varda Space Industries, which launched a capsule into orbit last spring but faced delays in returning it due to incomplete paperwork with the FAA. The agency has stated that it is looking to avoid similar situations in the future.
Before issuing a reentry license, the FAA thoroughly analyzes the potential impact of the vehicle on public health, property, and national security. The agency reviews various details provided by the reentry operator, including payload weight, hazardous materials, and the planned reentry site.
The FAA emphasizes the importance of special attention to returnable vehicles to mitigate potential collisions with people and property on the ground. Unlike typical payloads designed for outer space operations, reentry vehicles are designed to withstand reentry intact, resulting in a near-guaranteed ground impact.
